Watson, a Weinberg senior, characterized Howard as incredibly personable and said he always talked with her about NU football and Massachusetts, where they’re both from.

“He’s a super warm and inviting person,” Watson said. “Whenever you see him, he always has a smile and is excited to see you and stop and chat.”

Mayfest co-chairs Ian Robinson and Justin Wolf said Howard has been instrumental in assisting their group, including with implementing the new wristband policy for Dillo Day.

Wolf, a Communication senior, said Howard “genuinely cared” about students.

“I’m going to miss his overwhelmingly positive personality and outlook on things,” said Robinson, a Medill senior. “We have faced some very bleak situations in years past in regards to Mayfest stuff, and it’s always been kind of nice to just have Burgie there as a positive voice that’s always going to come back and give us a good pep talk and get us going again.”

Howard said he spoke with Patricia Telles-Irvin, vice president for student affairs, about finding his successor. Howard said he wants to ensure there’s a “smooth transition” so students are not negatively impacted.

Watson said the University will have to do an extensive search to find a proper replacement for Howard.

“They’re going to have to … find somebody who’s equally as committed to engaging with students on such a genuine level and being there for events, being there for people on an individual basis, really being there for Northwestern as a school in general,” Watson said.

This post was updated April 12 at 10:25 p.m. with comment from Ian Robinson, Julia Watson and Justin Wolf.